FaceTime to cost 59p?

Apple revealed its next generation of MacBook Pros today, and they’ll include FaceTime as standard. However, those craving FaceTime action on older Macs will have to pay 59p for the privilege.

MacBook, iMac, iPhone and iPod owners can now call each other using FaceTime. However, the 59p price tag for existing Macs has led some to speculate that FaceTime might be chargeable in future for the iPhone and iPod.

Of course, it’s all conjecture at the moment. The iPhone's FaceTime currently works out-of-the-box. Apple might simply see this as a cheeky opportunity to get a bonus 59p from users of older Macs. It is, after all, a brand new feature for Apple’s desktop and laptop range.

Time will tell. In the meantime, here’s the full statement from Apple:

“The MacBook Pro now includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera with triple the resolution of the previous generation for crisp, widescreen video calls. With Apple’s innovative FaceTime video calling software, the new camera allows high definition video calls between all new MacBook Pro models and supports standard resolution calls with other Intel-based Macs, iPhone® 4 and the current generation iPod touch®. FaceTime is included with all new MacBook Pro models and is available for other Intel-based Macs from the Mac® App Store℠ for 99 cents.”